Vrata-Foods Eaten During Fasts And Shravan Mahina
July 28, 2008
Vrata or fasting is a part of Hindu living. There are many reasons for fasting. Some look at fasting from spiritual aspect while others are concerned about their health. Living on fruits and water for a day has now become the new fad diet called the detox diet. Our sages and seers for centuries did Tapasya (meditation under extreme conditions) and lived all their life on milk and fruits. This was to gain steady focus of the mind and senses but this has very little or no significance to the new generation.
Many fast during festivals in order to fulfill their wishes and desires. Popular fasts are Solah Somvar Vrata or 16 Monday fast. This is done to appease Lord Shiva. Pradosham or Pradosha Vrata is again dedicated to Lord Shiva. Different fasts are observed differently according to one’s culture and state. Young women fast to appease Goddess Santoshi on Fridays so that they get desirable husbands.
Besides appeasing Lord Shiva, people also observe fasts to please Lord Shani. It is also known as Sampat Shanivara done during the month of Shravan. Those who have complications in their birth chart due to the planet Saturn make sure that they are able to complete this fast correctly.
The Chaturmas Vrata and Shravan Mahina Vrata are commonly followed. This is because people have made it flexible to suit their requirements and lifestyle. Shravan Somvar Vrata denotes the Monday which falls in the holy month of Shravan. This is observed by the devotees of Lord Shiva. To understand the significance of Shravan Mahina, read our previous post.
During the month of Shravan, people avoid eating non-vegetarian food, while others eat one meal a day and refrain from eating onion and garlic. Onions and garlic are known to stimulate and heighten the senses and act as aphrodisiac. Many eat food devoid of salt. Some fast the entire month, eating fruits, roots, tubes, milk and milk products and avoiding all forms of grains.
Vrata or Upwaas is a means to discipline the mind and body. Upwaas literally means to live at a higher level or to gain closeness to God. It is up to each individual how they want to fast and their reasons behind fasting-for material enrichment or for spiritual guidance.
©Nayna Chakrabarty, 2007-2008. All Rights Reserved.
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I’m one of them who eat one meal a day and refrain from eating onion and garlic.
Because Onions and garlic are known to stimulate and heighten the senses and act as aphrodisiac. I Do it for whole Month.